As a matter of reflection, I think it'd be useful to ignore the distinction between homosexual and heterosexual relationships. Regardless of orientation, a relationship in a professional environment can be a problem. On one hand, attraction and relationships can build trust and can promote courageous behavior. On the other, fights and other negative effects of relationships ending can be detrimental to the collective good. While the lives of others are in your hands, vice versa your life is held in the hands of others in a military unit. Those around you need to be able to count on your action when necessary, regardless of emotional issues.
As a matter of professionalism, as in the corporate world, relationships of any sort amongst colleagues should probably be discouraged at the very least. (Prevents sexual harassment issues and perceived preferential treatment)
With respect to disclosure I (personally) don't see a problem, so long as the relationship doesn't effect the duty performance of the individual or those serving along side. But to error on the side of caution, I'd say disclosure is appropriate as long as it results in a separation of duties between the individuals involved. This may reduce interference of emotional issues on service responsibilities
Homosexual public display of affection as it compares to heterosexual public display of affection, is something that needs to change culturally. I don't believe a legal mandate can effectively remedy this.
With respect to the shared living/sleeping quarters, I'd like to think ideally we have the decency to behave ourselves in hygiene/sleeping areas and not violate the privacy or personal space of others intentionally. But I know that this level of self control and maturity (in the near future) is beyond most. While we can segregate men and women from one another with relative ease, how do we segregate homosexual individuals? Putting a homosexual members of one gender with members of the heterosexual opposite gender would be equally problematic. Do homosexuals each get their own solitary confined private areas? As with the public display of affection issue, I think it becomes an issue of cultural change not easily mandated by legal code.
While cultural issues might make DADT repeal uncomfortable initially, I think its a step in the right direction.
Response and feedback appreciated.
Respectfully, HTTP